We are delighted to welcome East Europe Foundation (EEF) Moldova as a new member of the Euclid Network community. Through a conversation with Sorin Mereacre, President of the Foundation, and Ana Ciurac, Director of the Social Entrepreneurship Program, we discovered a remarkable story of resilience, purpose, and innovation that continues to shape Moldova’s civil society and social economy.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Local Ownership
The roots of the East Europe Foundation reach back to 1994, when its predecessor – Eurasia Foundation’s Moldova office – was established to support democratic development, free media, and private sector growth across post-Soviet countries. In 2009, following a decision by the Eurasia Foundation’s Board of Trustees, EEF was created as a local, independent foundation, governed by Moldovan leaders and dedicated to serving the needs of its communities.
Today, EEF’s mission remains steadfast: to promote good governance, civil society participation, media development, and private sector innovation in Moldova. Over the years, the Foundation has collaborated with numerous international partners to bring transformative projects to life.
Building Inclusive Futures through Social Entrepreneurship
Among its many initiatives, the Social Entrepreneurship Program, led by Ana Ciurac, stands out as a driving force for inclusion and economic empowerment. “We support both the legal environment and the creation of opportunities for social enterprises,” Ana shared. “Our goal is to offer jobs to the most vulnerable groups and create a sustainable ecosystem for social innovation.”
The Foundation’s efforts go beyond economic empowerment. From supporting free and fair elections to strengthening community journalism and mobilising young changemakers through the YouthBank programme, EEF’s work spans multiple dimensions of civic engagement.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Growth and Professionalisation
When asked about EEF’s vision for the next five years, Sorin emphasised a focus on strategic development and sustainability. “We want to strengthen our key programmes – youth participation, social economy, and civic engagement – while continuing to support local partners through re-granting,” he said.
As Moldova advances toward European Union membership, EEF anticipates changes in the landscape of civil society funding. “We will need to adapt to new models of financial support,” Sorin noted. “Our goal is to become a more professional organisation with deeper in-house expertise to meet these challenges.”
For Ana, the future of the Social Entrepreneurship Program is equally ambitious: “In five years, I want to see a full department dedicated to social entrepreneurship – specialists in impact measurement, advocacy, finance, and law – and to create the first Impact Hub in Moldova.”
Why Joining Euclid Network Matters
Both leaders see Euclid Network membership as a meaningful step in their journey. “We’ve seen the power of networks to inspire and share knowledge,” said Sorin. “Collaborations across countries have already helped us learn, innovate, and bring successful programmes like YouthBank to Moldova.”
For Ana, the timing couldn’t be better: “Now that we’re building a strong ecosystem for social entrepreneurship, joining Euclid Network connects us to a broader European community. We look forward to meeting new partners, investors, and innovators in social impact and social investment.”
A Shared Commitment to Impact
At Euclid Network, we are honoured to partner with East Europe Foundation Moldova. Their deep-rooted commitment to inclusive development, civic participation, and social innovation embodies the spirit of our community. Together, we look forward to strengthening the social enterprise ecosystem in Moldova and beyond – creating lasting change through collaboration, learning, and shared purpose.
Welcome to the network, East Europe Foundation – Moldova!
